Srinagar/Jammu: With situation becoming worse Naval marine commandos were deployed for the first time on Monday in the massive multi-agency rescue operations that were underway in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir with the grim situation in the Valley further compounded by snapping of telecom links.

There was no fresh rainfall in the Valley today after the state was pounded by rains since Tuesday but the water level in Srinagar and some other towns devastated by floods has not receded posing a challenge to rescue agencies in evacuating tens of thousands of stranded people. Large parts of Srinagar were deep in water and dozens of boats were deployed.

Desperate residents were huddled on rooftops and upper floors of their houses in several areas as they tried to escape the worst flooding in the state in six decades that has already claimed more than 150 lives.

Floods created havoc in the state, with all parts submerged in knee deep water

IAF choppers and transport aircraft undertook several sorties as relief work was extended for the first time to South Kashmir with nearly 22,000 people being evacuated so far, including 2,000 people from Srinagar city and adjoining areas. IAF has deployed 45 aircraft and helicopters into action, a Defence spokesman said.

DGCA directive to airlines for J&K passengers

With unprecedented floods devastating Jammu and Kashmir, aviation regulator DGCA directed all airlines not to charge anything extra from passengers from Srinagar and Jammu if they rescheduled their bookings.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also asked the airlines not to levy any cancellation fee from passengers who want to cancel their travel plans.

"Due to the situation in the state, we have directed all airlines not to deduct cancellation charges from travellers who do not wish to fly. We have also asked them to allow passengers to reschedule flights without any extra charge," DGCA chief Prabhat Kumar told PTI here.Social networking sites aid rescue, relief work

Hundreds of people have logged on to social networking sites likes Facebook and twitter to share information on floods, which have created havoc in the state, and are even collecting aid for the victims.

People are sharing pictures and information of the affected areas and rescue and relief efforts being undertaken by the central and state authorities on these portals.

The information related to floods is trending on twitter under #KashmirFloods.

"Please keep us updated abt the network status in Kashmir (sic)," said one of the users on twitter.

Some people also appreciated the rescue and relief work being done by the Army. "Well Done,Indian Army. 130 Army columns have been deployed rescuing more than 14800 ppl so far," said Janak Dave.

BJP MP from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha tweeted "Proud of our Indian Army for the rescue work without worrying about their own safety!!".

He also asked people to share control room numbers set up by the centre for assistance pertaining to the floods.

Floods take toll on telecom network in Kashmir

Heavy floods have snapped Kashmir Valley's telecommunication links with the rest of the country with state-run BSNL along with Army and IAF launching an operation on a war footing to restore mobile services.

"Kashmir Valley is cut off from the rest of the country. Mobile link and other services have been affected due to floods which have badly hit BSNL and others telecom infrastructure", Chief General Manager Telecom (CGMT), J&K Circle, R N Sudhakar said.

Sudhakhar, who is leading the operation to restore the service as soon as possible, said Poonch district of Jammu region is also cut off.

"With the help of satellites, we are trying to restore the service. We are trying to do whatever we can", he said.

Mobile, landline and Internet services in Kashmir Valley were snapped last night due to huge damage caused to telecommunication infrastructure of BSNL and private operators.

Pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi resumes after four days

Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district resumed this morning after remaining suspended for four consecutive days in view of heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, the pilgrimage has resumed only through the old route and the two new tracks are still closed in view of landslides.